Understanding Our Faith

Prayer after Death

Last week in this segment, we looked at the Commendation of the Dying. This can be followed after the person’s death by some simple prayers appropriate to that moment, and along with these there are prayers for the grieving family and friends.

The first of the prayers listed for use after the death is the one which is often prayed in the final part of the Funeral Rite. It is as follows:

Saints of God, come to his/her aid!

Come to meet him/her, angels of the Lord!

Response:

Receive his/her soul and present him/her to God the Most High.

May Christ, who called you, take you to himself;

May angels lead you to Abraham’s side. (Response as above)

Give him/her eternal rest, O Lord,

And may your light shine on him/her forever. (Response as above).

This is followed by the following:

All-powerful and merciful God,

We commend to you, N. your servant.

In your mercy and love, blot out any sins he/she may have committed through human weakness.

In this world he/she has died:

Let him/her live with you forever.

The above prayers are just one option that can be used as prayers after death, there are several more offered in the official book or ritual.

Along with the prayers suggested in the last couple of weeks there may be many others which were part of the sick or dying person’s life or that are dear to the family. Many people will pray the Rosary as they watch with those who are ill or dying.

There is an ancient custom, which is often still observed, of keeping watch with those who are dying. This is a simple being with them, accompanying them on their last journey with one’s presence and prayer.

As mentioned last week, the use of the prayers in the Commendation of the Dying and in Prayer for the Dead is not confined to ordained ministers but can be led by any member of the believing community. There is even a book published called a ‘Ritual for Lay People’ which contains these prayers along with some others.